Game Preview: Bucs vs Dolphins

Though close neighbors and frequent preseason opponents, the Buccaneers and Dolphins have only met eight times in the regular season. The series is tied 4-4, but Tampa Bay has claimed the last three meetings: a 31-21 victory in 1997 in Tampa, a 16-13 win in 2000 in Miami and a 27-13 win in 2005 in Tampa. Five of the eight contests have been decided by six points or less. The first meeting was on October 24, 1976 in Tampa, with the Dolphins prevailing for a 23-20 victory. Tampa Bay’s first win in the series was a 23-17 victory in 1982 in Tampa, but Miami followed with a three-game winning streak (1985, 1988, 1991).GAME INFORMATIONDate: Sunday, November 15, 2009Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ETSite: Land Shark Stadium (75,540)2009 Records: Tampa Bay 1-7, Miami 3-5Network Television: FOXPlay-by-Play: Ron Pitts, Analyst: John Lynch, Sideline: Laura OkminBucs Radio: US 103.5, flagship station (103.5 FM, 620 AM)Play-by-Play: Gene Deckerhoff, Color: Dave Moore, Sideline: T.J. RivesLast Game: Tampa Bay won vs Green Bay 38-28; Miami lost at New England 27-17Next Game: Tampa Bay vs. New Orleans (11/22); Miami at Carolina (11/19)

Key Match-UpsBucs OL vs Dolphins DL
The Dolphins are one of the better teams in the NFL at attacking opposing quarterbacks and pressuring them, evident by their nearly three sacks a game. The Bucs offensive line will and especially the tackles will have there hands full trying to keep Jason Taylor and Joey Porter at bay. But the player to keep an eye on for the Dolphins is pass rush specialist, Cameron Wake.

Defending the Wildcat
Being able to force an contain all at the same time might be a little bit difficult for the Buccaneers, but if they have any hopes of containing the Dolphins rushing attack, they must not only force the action on defense, but they must also contain the Dolphins all while forcing them into undesirable down and distance situations.

Bucs Rushing Attack vs Dolphins Front Seven
The Dolphins are limiting opponents 94-yards on the ground, with a young quarterback making his second NFL start it will be imperative the Greg Olson tries to establish a ground game to take pressure off of Freeman, if it’s not gaining huge chunks of yardage, Olson must have strong conviction to continue to dial up running plays to limit the young signal caller from shouldering the load.

Buc Central’s Prognostication:
As always we are not advocating gambling based on our views of the game, especially considering we typically are inclined to make such educated guesses using are heart rather the any rational thought applied to picking. We are merely giving an opinion of who we think has the best chance at securing a victory.